The City of Bayonne recently held a promotional ceremony for nine firefighters. Receiving promotions and gaining new ranks were Deputy Chief Francis Pawlowski, Battalion Chief Kenneth Jaros, and Captains Vincent Bottino, Ricardo Joynt, Robert Wasielewski, Michael Monczewski, Joshua Lipinski-McHale, Willmark Munoz, and Vincent Oszmanski.
Mayor Jimmy Davis said it was “a great day” for the promoted firefighters and their families. He congratulated the promoted firefighters and welcomed the new captains as first line supervisors.
During the ceremony Public Safety Director Robert Kubert stated that the promoted class has shown their “excellence, diligence, and dedication on the street,” adding there was “no doubt” that they would “continue in an exemplary fashion.”
Fire Chief Keith Weaver began his remarks by mourning the loss of Firefighter Joseph Coughlin, Jr. who passed away recently. He emphasized that Fire Department promotions are the result of a competitive civil service process. Chief Weaver said that the promoted firefighters “have spent their entire careers gaining and appreciating knowledge.” Addressing the promoted group, Chief Weaver said, “I am confident you will excel in your new roles.” He added, “You have what it takes to succeed.”
A press release from the city provided the following descriptions and background on each of the promoted firefighters:
Deputy Fire Chief Francis Pawlowski is a graduate of Koinonia High School. He continued hie education at DeVry Technical Institute, where he majored in Electronics. Before joining the Bayonne Fire Department, he worked at MCS Canon. He works as a Fire Instructor at the Monmouth County Fire Academy. Deputy Chief Pawlowski was appointed to the Bayonne Fire Department in 1992. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2000, and was assigned to the Fire Prevention Bureau, and then to Group 4 TL2. In 2005, he was promoted to Captain, and was assigned to Group 4 TL1 and then Squad 5. In 2016, he was promoted to Battalion Chief, and was assigned as the Tour Commander to Group 4, and then as Chief of Fire Prevention. Deputy Chief Pawlowski holds various certifications including Fire Official, Fire Instructor Level 2, Fire Investigator and Incident Management Level 3. In 2010 and 2019, he was named Firefighter of the Year, and has been recognized with several citations through the years.
Battalion Chief Kenneth Jaros is a graduate of Bayonne High School. He continued his education at Rowan University and New Jersey City University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. He was appointed to the Bayonne Fire Department in 2005. He was assigned to TL2 and Rescue 1. He was promoted to Captain in 2018, and was assigned to TL2 and E7. He holds various certifications including USAR Collapse 1 and 2, Hazmat Technician, Confined Space Operations, and Trench Collapse. In 2018, Battalion Chief Jaros received the 200 Club of Hudson County Valiant Teamwork Award.
Captain Vincent Bottino is a graduate of Hudson Catholic High School. He continued his education at Rutgers University, majoring in Finance. Before joining the Fire Department he worked as a Pricing Analyst at Hess Corporation. He was appointed to the Bayonne Fire Department in 2014. Captain Bottino holds various certifications including Hazmat Technician, Fire Inspector, and Boat Safety.
Captain Ricardo Joynt is a graduate of High Tech High School. Before joining the Fire Department, he was employed at IMTT as an Emergency Response Technician. Captain Joynt was appointed to the Bayonne Fire Department in 2016. He holds various certifications including Certified Level 1 Fire Instructor, and Hazmat Technician. He also holds multiple USAR/UASI certifications which include Structural Collapse Specialist, Trench Rescue Technician, Confined Space Technician, and Rope Rescue Technician. In 2019, he received a commendation for his actions during a structure fire in Bayville when he was on vacation. He also received the Knights of Columbus Firefighter of the Year award for a rescue which took place on June 7, 2019, for an overturned tractor trailer from which the driver needed to be extricated.
Captain Robert Wasielewski is a graduate of Hudson Catholic High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies at St. John’s University. He was appointed to the Bayonne Fire Department in 2013, and has been assigned to Squad 5 and Engine 7. He holds certification as a Hazmat Technician.
Captain Michael Monczewski is a graduate of Hudson Catholic High School. He was appointed to the Bayonne Fire Department in 1993. He s the President of Bayonne FMBA Local 11. He holds various certifications including Marine Firefighter, Land-Based Firefighter 1 and 2, Marine Firefighter Technician, Military Sealift Command Advanced Firefighting, Hazmat Level 3 Technician, US WMD Hazmat Technician, USAR Rope Rescue II, Structural Collapse II, and Trench Rescue II.
Captain Joshua Lipinski-McHale is a graduate of Hudson Catholic High School. He continued his education at Hudson County Community College, majoring in Business. He was appointed to the Bayonne Fire Department in 2013. He has been assigned to E2 and L3. Captain Lipinski-McHale holds various certifications including Hazmat Technician, Collapse 1 and 2, Trench Collapse, and Marine Firefighting. He is the recipient of a Medical Service Award.
Captain Willmark Munoz is a graduate of William Dickinson High School. He furthered his education at the Rutgers University School of Engineering, where he majored in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering. Before joining the Bayonne Fire Department, he worked at IMTT. He was appointed to the Fire Department in 2013. His certifications include Hazmat Technician, Rescue Technician, and Urban Search and Rescue. In 2013 and 2021, Captain Munoz was named Firefighter of the Year.
Captain Vincent Oszmanski is a graduate of Bayonne High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree at St. Peter’s University. He was appointed to the Bayonne Fire Department in 2014. He has been assigned to E3, Eng 6, and L3. Captain Oszmanski holds certification as a Hazmat Technician.